It's a rite of passage for kids to lose their first teeth. When a child's baby teeth fall out, they are eventually replaced by permanent teeth.
However, adulthood brings additional concerns when teeth are mobile. Here's what may be going on if you've noticed loosening of your teeth.
Why do teeth become loose and what can be done about it?
The root cause of periodontal disease
Gingivitis can progress into periodontitis if not treated, and periodontitis can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. How? The tissues and bones that hold the teeth in place are also impacted by periodontal disease. The gums will begin to pull away from the teeth, creating infected spaces between the teeth and gums. The deeper the pockets become as periodontitis worsens, the more gum tissue and bone are lost, and teeth become loose. The good news is that early gum disease signs, including as bleeding and swelling, may be detected if you pay great attention to your mouth. Even if you progress to severe periodontitis, you can choose from a wide variety of non-surgical and surgical therapies, including as thorough cleaning (scaling and root planing), pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafts, and bone grafts.
Osteoporosis
The alveolar process refers to the area of the jawbone that anchors teeth in place. Studies reveal that a loss of alveolar bone, which occurs when osteoporosis first manifests, might lead to an increase in tooth mobility. The risk of tooth mobility and tooth loss is double in women with osteoporosis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Loose teeth are a sign that you need to see a dentist or primary care provider. However, the ADA advises disclosing all drugs to your dentist if your tooth movement symptoms are related to osteoporosis and you are undergoing treatment for it. Rare but significant, osteonecrosis, the loss of teeth that results from taking antiresorptive drugs, can impede the effectiveness of several dental procedures.
Accidents
Accidents and other forms of trauma that apply force to the mouth can strain the ligaments and tissues that keep your teeth securely planted in their sockets. This may cause your tooth to become loose. A ball to the face, for instance, might serve as a loosening agent. The same thing might happen if you grind your teeth constantly. Make an appointment with your dentist right once if you have a dental injury like this.
You should be concerned about your loose teeth regardless of the reason. Keep in mind that tooth loss is not an inevitable consequence of tooth looseness. See a dentist right once if you have any symptoms of a loose tooth or teeth. Your dentist will work with you to devise a treatment strategy that has a good chance of saving your teeth.
